The Catechism in the Cathedral of Milan

Currently not on view

The Catechism in the Cathedral of Milan

c. 1725-1730

Alessandro Magnasco, also called Lissandro and Lissandrino (Italian (active Genoa, Milan, Venice, and Florence) 1667–1749)

This painting depicts a group of boys receiving religious instruction in a large neighborhood church. The church schools established in Milan to increase the literacy of poor and working class youths constituted the first free public schools in a large European city. The sketchy quality of the paint, a hallmark of Magnasco's style, was much appreciated at the time for its lively rendering of figures.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Catechism in the Cathedral of Milan

Date:

c. 1725-1730

Artist:

Alessandro Magnasco, also called Lissandro and Lissandrino (Italian (active Genoa, Milan, Venice, and Florence) 1667–1749)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

47 1/8 × 59 inches (119.7 × 149.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Purchased with the W. P. Wilstach Fund, 1958

Accession Number:

W1958-2-1

Geography:

Made in Milan, Italy, Europe

Provenance

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Currently not on view